Man Utd in race for Leverkusen defender Tah but face interest from Chelsea – Paper Round

Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are reportedly interested in Bayer Leverkusen defender Jonathan Tah.

Tah is said to have a release clause of £15.5 million and could represent a “relatively cheap option for any interested party,” according to a report The Sun.

The 27-year-old Germany international has made 13 appearances for the Bundesliga leaders, scoring three goals.

The article states: “Chelsea are reportedly leading the race for Germany centre-back Jonathan Tah – but face competition from other Premier League clubs.

“Kicker report that Manchester United and Tottenham are also hot on the heels of the Bayer Leverkusen centre-half.

“The German outlet say many clubs see Tah as a valuable outlet to solving their injury woe – with Liverpool also keen on the defender.

“Each of the clubs have a starting central defender out with a long term injury.

“Tah, 27, would be a relatively cheap option for any interested party as he has a release clause of £15.5million.

“But, that clause does not kick in until the summer and Leverkusen will be reluctant to sell in the January window.

“The club will also be without Edmond Tapsoba and Odilon Kossounou when they travel to the African Cup of Nations in January.

“So selling Tah would leave them heavily depleted at the back.”

Manchester United have made contact with Stuttgart about striker Serhou Guirassy, according to reports.

Guirassy has scored 16 goals in 11 league appearances, only trailing top scorer Harry Kane by two goals.

With Marcus Rashford struggling in front of goal and summer signing Rasmus Hojlund yet to find the net in the Premier League, United could do with some more firepower in attack.

“Manchester United have ‘inquired’ about one of Europe’s deadliest strikers ahead of the January transfer window,” states The Sun.

“According to Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg, the Manchester giants have already put the wheels in motion as they weigh up a move for the centre-forward.

“The 27-year-old is one of Ten Hag’s top January targets as he could be a bargain move that may cost less than €20m (£17m).

“However, negotiations are still at an ‘early stage’ between United, Stuttgart and the Guinea international’s camp.

“Nevertheless, Guirassy is open for ‘concrete talks’ with Ten Hag’s side next month.

“But the forward is said to want to stay at the MHPArena until the end of the season.”

The Gunners have been linked with a midfielder and speculation suggests the 24-year-old is high on their list of priorities.

The outlet writes: “Arsenal have been given a major boost in their bid to sign Martin Zubimendi from Real Sociedad in 2024 as Barcelona have reportedly strayed away from the deal. The Catalonians had initially been keen on bringing in the Spaniard during the January transfer window with Xavi said to be a keen admirer of the player.

“As per Fabrizio Romano, Barca’s boss sees Zubimendi as’ the next Sergio Busquets’. However, Mundo Deportivo claims he won’t be heading to the Nou Camp in the New Year as the La Liga giants are considering bringing in a different type of midfielder to boost their output in the centre of the park.

“The report goes on to add that Real Madrid ace Aurelien Tchouameni, Bruno Guimaraes of Newcastle United, Everton’s Amadou Onana and Monaco star Youssouf Fofana are among the names Barca are looking at in the winter.

“Barcelona’s withdrawal from the race for Zubimendi’s signature clears the path for Arsenal, who need another defensive midfielder due to Thomas Partey’s absence through injury.”

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